Fibromyalgia pain: Let's connect

Fibromyalgia surely can be a challenge. Throw in the other chronic pain seems the fatigue is overwhelming. I have adjusted my diet and due to TMJ my diet is to be soft. No more fresh salads filled with nuts and other crunchy things. Have adapted to this. My energy level has been so low.
I was fairly certain I needed more protein. Started looking at plant based protein powders. Have been using this for a couple of weeks to supplement my diet. They are now available sugar/gluten/GMO/dairy free. This is the only thing I have changed and my energy level has improved.
My experience thus far. Plus I have dropped 3 lbs. in this 2 weeks.
Whether it is more protein...? Don’t know for sure.

@parus
Good Morning!
When I was in the throws of Fibro and TMJ, that was the start of a never ending battle with pain and fatigue in one form or another.
Anyway, as far as TMJ, a soft diet really isn't necessary except when you are in a flare up. In the meanwhile, warm compresses around your jaws, several times a day can be soothing. Just dampen a hand towel and pop it into the microwave until it reaches a comfortable temp for you. Also, using your fingers, massage the joint area. Regardless of how you are, stay away from food items that require you to open wide to bite, like a large apples. It is necessary to chew to help build up your jaw. For added protein, try any number of protein shakes like Slimfast Advantage (chocolate is yummy). Mix with a brand of milk called Fair LIfe . This milk has extra protein and less sugar. It comes in all kinds of fat percentages.
As far as dealing with fibro, my doc put me on a VERY mild dose of Amitryptaline (spelling?), 10mg, I believe. This got me into a deep, restorative, REM sleep. This is the healing sleep we need each night. I also went for therapeutic massage (NOT dep tissue since it can inflame trigger points), warm water PT and the chiropractor. Lastly, I started to exercise. Yep, with all that pain. I started by just walking. I lived in a hilly development at the time, which was a challenge. I DIDN'T speed walk and less that half-way through, my hubby would have to drag me the rest of the way.
With all this, I was able to get my Fibro under control. It was a process and not easy. However, the trigger points have ALWAYS remained sensitive to touch (only).
Hope this helps!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@grandmar As I have mentioned to you once before I will listen to my doctor who has my x-rays. Thanks for the input.

Of course, you should listen to your doc. I just give my perspective of what has helped. It is my hope when someone has similar issues, it might be a starting point for a discussion with the doc.
Always wishing you the best of luck for a solution!!
Ronnie
(GRANDMAr)

@grandmar glad to hear from you and update You sure are a warrior hi five, First tine in ,2 years I have found a rheumatologist ,mine left so going to start all over again:'(

@clownscrytoo Hi clowns, sorry I can't help with the fibro pain as I don't have it. What I was wondering if you have ever been tested for alpha 1-antitrypsin. I was told that is a cause of fibro, lung and liver diseases. I got tested just by having my dna tested and found out I am a carrier so only have one of the nasty genes but I do have COPD but drs say mine was caused by smoking. Best of luck to you.

Hi All!
I just received the following from AARP regarding meds for Fibro.
It amazes me that it took sooooooooo many years for the medical community to believe this really exists.
Anyway, this is just an FYI....
Here's to a pain-free day.....
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

This clinical disorder is marked by muscle pain and chronic fatigue. You can have fibromyalgia alone or along with another condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Though it’s most common in middle-aged women, fibromyalgia may worsen with age.
“People with fibromyalgia hurt all over,” explains Dallas rheumatologist Zashin. “They have tender points, which hurt when touched, on all four quadrants of their body.” They often have insomnia, depression and other issues. “A lot of rheumatologists shy away from fibromyalgia patients because there may not be a quick solution, and they may require more time during their visit,” Zashin adds.
Fight back with an anti-addiction drug
Some physicians prescribe low doses of naltrexone — typically used to help addicts stay off alcohol and drugs — to fibromyalgia patients. In one study, 32 percent of those taking low-dose naltrexone experienced significantly less pain and fatigue or sleep problems, compared with 11 percent who took a placebo. “Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors; the body responds by increasing levels of natural opioids, helping with pain and fatigue,” Zashin says.

@grandmar

Interesting information for all who deal with fibro pain. Thanks for sharing that.

Sure. YOu are welcome!

Have any of you with fibromyalgia been tested for alpha one ???